I totally get that logic Biz, which is why I would try to squeeze Melbourne a bit. If the deal doesn’t happen, it’s by no means the end of the world - and could, as you say, work out better in the long run. I’d be much more interested in this deal if we are trading Neale, for example, because you don’t get many swings at young talent.
But as we’ve seen, elite key forwards who want to play for Freo don’t pop up very often. He’s 23, which fits our list profile. We’d still be adding teenagers, including something in the range of pick 6 (assuming we trade Neale). It’s a good move for now and the future.
A forward line spearheaded by Hogan and Tabs, with Walters, Ballas and (let’s say) Rakine looks to have a lot of goals in it. I think Hogan and Tabs would complement each other very well. I think Cox could add some great support, or settle into a Johnno role down back. He’s 19, so he has some time to develop and see where he fits best. I think it takes some pressure off him.
Our backline looks reasonably settled. Losing Neale hurts us in the middle, but I think Blakely could cover some of that, as well as another pre-season into Brayshaw, Cerra and Banfield. Mundy wouldn’t be needed forward and could add some ball-winning there in stretches.
Wouldn’t you be a bit excited to see that team play? Wouldn’t Lyon lose almost all his excuses about a team not being able to kick goals? What’s not to love? I get there’s some alternate future where everything lines up and Hogan ends up at Freo for nothing next season, but if we’ve got two first round picks, and one of them gets him, why take that chance?
Or, if the price isn’t right, wait and see what happens next year. I just don’t see how even the suggestion of Hogan coming to Freo makes people unhappy.
Bozza, what Melbourne would be weighing up is whether they can keep Hogan next year. If he leaves, I think they will likely get a compensation pick at the end of the draft (but someone correct me if I’m wrong). So, if you’re Melbourne, would you rather pick 6 this year, or pick 19 next year? It’s a no-brainer. If they could somehow sign Lynch as a FA, they probably get a slight upgrade over Hogan, and pick 6. That’s a move that can win you a premiership.
